Westfjord Ring Road: Snaefellsnes: Borgarfjordur

Don't miss out on this multi-day opportunity to experience the Westfjords in all their glory with this fantastic sightseeing tour around one of Iceland's most secluded and beautiful regions.

This is the perfect choice for visitors who are looking to really get away from it all and to experience the solitude and tranquillity that makes Iceland such a desirable travel destination. Travellers on this tour will even have the opportunity to add-on a bonus experience in order

Your tour will begin after being picked up from Iceland's capital city (and the northernmost capital of the world), Reykjavík; from there, you will head north passed distant mountainscapes, picturesque farmlands and cragged shorelines, all on your way to a region famed for its haunting beauty and connection to sorcery; the Westjords!

Beforehand arriving, you will make a stop at the spectacular Snaefellsnes Peninsula, providing you with the opportunity to look upon towering bird cliffs, sea caves, distant islands and even the namesake of the park itself, the mighty Snæfellsjökull glacier. You will also explore the rugged coastlines and scenic opportunities of Borgarfjordur.

Given that this is a multi-day tour, the opportunity exists to add-on exciting bonus activities for each day. These could range from hiking excursions to boat trips, glaciers walks to snowmobile rides. By adding on adventures such as this, you are sure to provide yourself with a lifetime of thrilling memories in Iceland.

So don't delay any further! Hurry now and secure your place on this exciting tour exploring Iceland's glorious regions. Check availability by choosing a date.

The Látrabjarg cliffs in the Westfjords mark both the westernmost point of Iceland and Europe. Hosting millions of birds, it is Europe’s largest bird cliff, 14 km (9 mi) long and 441 (1,444 ft) high.

It takes around six hours to reach Látrabjarg from Reykjavík, so it is recommended that visitors travel there as part of a wider trip around the beautiful Westfjords.

Birdwatching at Látrabjarg

Látrabjarg is home to a wide variety of birds, in large parts thanks to the shelter and seclusion the cliffs provide as nesting grounds.

It is not only the variation of species that makes Látrabjarg such an awe-inspiring place and undoubtedly one of the world’s best birdwatching locations; the sheer volume of individuals is staggering, with some estimating over five million nesting here in summer.

The main species are Skuas, Arctic Terns, Guillemots, Eider Ducks and Razorbills. Of course, however, the stars of the show are the Atlantic Puffins.

At least a million puffins nest here, often very near to the top of the cliff. As they are protected here, they have very little fear of people, and will let them within feet for some great photo opportunities.

You should not, however, get too close to puffins for a variety of reasons. Firstly, they nest on sheer cliff faces, so a slip could send you falling. Secondly, puffins burrow rather than nest, making the surface of the cliff edge even more unstable; even if you caught yourself before tumbling, you could still crush an egg or a chick. Thirdly, puffins are socially aware animals, and if one flies off in a panic, it is common for all others to follow, spoiling the moment for everyone and putting chicks and eggs at risk.

Be aware the puffins can only be found at Látrabjarg from May until late August.

The Rescue at Látrabjarg

In 1947 Látrabjarg was the site of a famous act of heroism, in the form of a dramatic rescue. The British trawler Dhoon capsized, like so many other boats have, beneath Látrabjarg. Only twelve of its crew members survived the tumultuous, rocky ocean, pulling themselves up at the base of the cliffs.

They would have no doubt died of hypothermia, if not for the fact that they were seen by local farmers. Though 190 metres (632 feet) above them, with time of the essence, the farmers knew exactly what to do.

For generations, Icelanders had scaled down the cliffs of Látrabjarg on ropes to collect eggs and feathers, a practice that continues to this day. The farmers, therefore, put their harnesses on, scaled down, and pulled all twelve sailors to safety.

Dynjandi (meaning ‘Thunderous’) is a series of waterfalls in the Westfjords and the largest of its kind in the region. Dynjandi is particularly beloved by visiting nature enthusiasts and aspiring photographers, who are able to snapshot this fantastic natural feature from a wealth of angles.

Geography

Dynjandi can be found close by to Dynjandisvogur Bay and Arnarfjörður fjord, an area widely famed for its wealth of birdlife, stunning natural vistas and picturesque coastlines.

Colloquially titled ‘the Jewel of the Westfjords’, Dynjandi (otherwise known as Fjallfoss) cascades approximately 100 metres (328 ft) in total, falling in a trapezoidal shape; it is 30 metres (98 feet) wide at the top, 60 metres (196 feet) wide at the bottom.

In the summer, the flow rate of Dynjandi is up to eight cubic meters per second (282 cubic feet), whilst the winter it reduces to as little as one cubic metre per second (35 cubic feet).

Those wishing to view Dynjandi from the top are able to hike nearly 200 metres (656 feet) up the cliffside. As they do, they will pass the seven individual waterfalls that lead to the largest: Hæstahjallafoss, Strompgljúfrafoss (Strompur), Göngumannafoss, Hrísvaðsfoss-Kvíslarfoss, Hundafoss and Bæjarfoss (Sjóarfoss).

In 1996, there was a rocky path built to the top Dynjandi by volunteers, making the hike little more than 15 minutes in total.

Visiting Dynjandi

To travel to the Westfjords, one of your best options would be renting your own vehicle and driving yourself. Dynjandi is approximately 363 kilometres (226 miles) away from Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavík, meaning it will take some commitment to visit.

Alternatively, you could choose to join a guided tour around the Ring Road and the Westfjords, either by bus or Super Jeep, allowing an experienced tour guide to take responsibility for the driving.

Though the Westfjords are remote, they have enormous appeal to nature lovers who want to avoid the crowds. Most visitors do not make the effort to travel to them, so the beautiful sites are some of the most unspoiled and peaceful in the country.

Other than Dynjandi are sites such as the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve and the Látrabjarg birdwatching cliffs. The former is the least populated part of the country, with incredible panoramas and a wealth of Arctic Foxes. The latter is the best place to see puffins from land, as they nest in the tens of thousands.

Due to the fact that both species are protected in their respective habitats, they have little fear of people and will let you within mere metres.

Though sparsely populated, there are a few significant towns in the Westfjords. Foremost amongst them is the settlement of Ísafjörður, which is the region’s capital and its centre of tourism and trade.

Since 1981, Dynjandi has been considered a National Monument, meaning extra care must be taken not to stray from the specified walking trails. Iceland’s vegetation is incredibly fragile, often taking decades to repair once damaged. Remember, take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints.

Snæfellsjökull (1446 m) is a glacier-capped volcano found on the tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland, in one of the country’s three National Parks. It stands at 1,446 metres (4,744 feet) tall, and on clear days, is visible across the bay from Reykjavík.

The stratovolcano beneath Snæfellsjökull is 700,000-year-old.

The mountain is actually called 'Snæfell' (Snowy Mountain), though the 'jökull' (Glacier) is often added to help distinguish it from other mountains of the same name. For the first time in recorded history, Snæfellsjökull had no snow or ice at its peak in August 2012, causing concern amongst locals that climate change is threatening the nature of the mountain.

History

Nearby villages include Hellissandur, Rif and Ólafsvík, all of which were some of the busiest commercial and fishing hubs in the country for much of the last millennium. Fishing took off primarily in the 13th-Century, with fishing stations being built in all areas with easy access to the open ocean.

One notable example would be the settlement of Dritvík; in spite of its miniscule size today, it once utilised around forty to sixty boats and employed up to six hundred people.

Fishing in the region declined during the 19th century due to change in Iceland’s industry and fish stocks, though it is still an important source of livelihood for those living on the Peninsula.

The Snæfellsjökull National Park was established in 2001, and tourism is rapidly changing the trade of the area.

In Folklore

Snæfellsjökull has, for centuries, been considered to be one of the world’s ancient power sites, a source of mysticism, energy and mystery for the peninsula’s superstitious population.

The feature takes a prominent role in Bárðar saga Snæfellsáss, a late 14th-century saga that tells the story of Bárður, half-human-half-troll, who became the 'guardian spirit of Snæfellsjökull'. There are many rock formations on and around Snæfellsjökull that are said to be trolls petrified by sunlight, or else homes of hidden elves.

On November 5th, 1993, thousands of people came to Snæfellsjökull as some paranormal enthusiasts believed there would be an alien landing; CNN even showed up with a camera crew. Though the evening passed without a galactic invasion, the incident shows the strange significance of Snæfellsjökull to many.

In Literature

Snæfellsjökull serves as the entrance to a fantastical subterranean world in Jules Verne’s classic 1864 novel 'Journey to The Centre of The Earth.' Given its central place in the novel, Snæfellsjökull has become one of the most popular spots for visitors in Iceland and has inspired a wealth of writers, poets and artists.

Since 'Journey to The Centre of The Earth', Snæfellsjökull has appeared in the ‘Blind Birds’ trilogy by Czech science fiction writer Ludvík Souček (partially based on Jules’ work) and in ‘Under The Glacier’, a novel by Iceland’s only Nobel laureate, Halldor Laxness.

At Djúpalonssandur, one can also test their muscle as historic sailors once did with the four 'strength' stones, Amlóði ('Useless'), Hálfdrættingur ('Weakling'), Hálfsterkur ('Half Strength') and Fullsterkur ('Full Strength').

In the area, one can also explore the Saxhóll volcano crater and 'the singing cave' Sönghellir, which is named after the loud echoes inside.

Hraunfossar in Borgarfjörður district is a series of beautiful waterfalls formed by rivulets streaming out of the Hallmundarhraun lava field. It is located in West Iceland near another waterfall called Barnafoss.

Its name translates to ‘Lava Falls’.

Geography and Surroundings of Hraunfossar

The lava field that Hraunfossar trickles through flowed from an eruption of one of the volcanoes lying under the nearby glacier of Langjökull, the second largest ice-cap in Iceland. The waterfalls pour into the Hvítá river from ledges of less porous rock in the lava.

The Hvítá river is one of the most popular rivers amongst visitors for two reasons. Firstly, it is the most easily accessible rafting river from Reykjavík, with rapids that are manageable even for total novices. Secondly, it is the river that hosts the mighty waterfall Gullfoss, one of the three sites of the popular the Golden Circle route.

Because the area around Hraunfossar used to be the site of constant eruptions, the lava fields are known for their hidden caves. By far the longest of these in the country can be found near to the waterfall, called Víðgelmir. This amazing feature is 1,595 metres long (5,200 feet), up to 15.8 metres high (52 feet) and 16.5 metres wide (54 feet).

Its geological history may be fascinating, being just a thousand years old, though its human history, once being home to bandits, and folklore, said to be the home of trolls, stir just as much intrigue.

Another major site near Hraunfossar is an incredibly short walk away, and though also a waterfall, could not be more different. Barnafoss surges down a narrow, rocky valley with ferocious power, foaming and churning quite spectacularly. According to legend, however, the force of these rapids led to tragedy.

It was said that an old stone bridge once went over the falls, and two boys at a nearby farm, bored at home, attempted to cross it to catch up with their parents at church. However, they felt dizzy due to its height, fell, and drowned.

The legend ends in two different ways, with the least interesting saying the mother in grief simply ordered the bridge destroyed. Other tales say that she cursed the bridge using an Icelandic rune, so that any who crossed would meet the same fate as her sons.

In this version, the bridge and curse were later broken by an earthquake.

The story led the waterfall its name; it translates to ‘Children’s Falls’.

Settlements near Hraunfossar

This tiny village has a huge history, being home to the legendary writer, chieftain, lawspeaker and poet Snorri Sturluson. Without Snorri, huge amounts of Icelandic, Nordic and even British history would be unknown.

He alone at the time catalogued a history of Norwegian kings and their relations with other monarchs through the work Heimskringla, as well as the Norse mythological beliefs through Prose Edda. It is also believed that Snorri first wrote many of the sagas still read today.

Reykholt has a centre dedicated to Snorri called Snorrastofa, which discusses his fascinating life as much as his works. Working during the times of Iceland’s tumultuous civil war as a chieftain, lawspeaker and spokesman of the Norwegian king, who had ambitions to take the country, it is a story with as much politics, betrayal, blood and sexual impropriety as Game of Thrones.

Hraunfossar is also reasonably close to Borganes, another town with a long history. Here, visitors can see the Settlement Centre with its two exhibitions on Iceland’s past, with one on the first people to reach this island over a thousand years ago, and another on Iceland’s most famous saga, Egil’s Saga.

Deildartunguhver is a hot spring located in Reykholtsdalur, a district of west Iceland. Deildartunguhver is the highest flowing hot spring in Europe and is widely known for its rapid flow rate of 180 litres (380 pints) per second.

The water at the hot spring emerges at a constant 97 degrees Celsius (207 degrees Fahrenheit), making it incredibly dangerous for those who venture too close. Thankfully, there are a number of wooden walkways and observation points found at Deildartunguhver that lead you around the hot springs without putting you at any risk.

Due to the sheer energy bubbling under Deildartunguhver, much of the water is used for heating Icelandic homes. One pipe travels 34 kilometres (21 miles) to Borgarnes, whilst another travels 64 kilometres (40 miles) to Akranes.

This means that if you’ve taken a shower or bath within a 64 kilometre radius of Deildartunguhver, you will have touched the water from the hot spring.

All Icelandic hot water comes from hot springs such as this, except in some parts of the Westfjords which are now geologically much older than the rest of the country, and thus less active.

This is a fantastic example of how Icelanders efficiently use the geothermal energy provided and is one of the major reasons as to why Iceland has such an excellent reputation for green energy.

Points of Interest at Deildartunghver

Whilst in the area, many visitors choose to make a stop at Krauma Geothermal Bath & Spa, a fantastic and relaxing complex that makes for a cheaper, more isolated alternative to the Blue Lagoon.

Visitors to Kraua will experience the hot water of Deildartunguhver blended perfectly with glacial water from Iceland’s smallest ice cap, Ok (which rhymes with ‘talk’), creating the perfect bathing temperature.

Sadly, they will need a new source soon, as Ok has all but disappeared.

Krauma has a total of six pools, a relaxation room and two steam baths.

Visitors with an interest in botany will also be able to check out the Blechnum Spicant, aka; “deer fern”, a type of plant that grows nowhere else in Iceland.

Surroundings of Deildartunghver

Deildartunghver is located in west Iceland. The two most notable points of interest nearby are two waterfalls, Hraunfossar and Barnafoss.

Hraunfossar, or the ‘Lava Falls’, is in fact a series of tiny cascades that trickle through an old lava field. Barnafoss, or ‘the Children’s Falls’, is a more powerful rapids, steeped in a dark legend.

Deildartunghver is also near Víðgelmir, the longest lava cave in the country, trailing for 1,595 metres (5,200 feet) beneath the surface of the earth.

The most significant settlement near Deildartunghver is Reykholt, a beautiful village with a fascinating history. This settlement was once home to Snorri Sturluson, a historian, writer, chieftain and poet without whom we would know very little of the Nordic mythology, folklore and history at the time.

His works, and life full of politics, betrayal, affairs and war, can be learnt about in the town at the Snorrastofa Centre.

Ísafjörður is a town in the northwest of Iceland and the largest settlement of the Westfjords of Iceland. It is considered the capital of the region, and is the centre of trade, commerce, fishing and tourism.

Ísafjörður is located on a spit within the fjord Skutulsfjörður, which is part of the larger fjord Ísafjarðardjúp. The settlement is one of the few large enough in the Icelandic Westfjords to be considered a town, with a population of around 2,600 people.

History of Ísafjörður

According to Iceland’s Book of Settlement, the fjord Skutulsfjörður was first settled in the 9th century by a man called Helgi Magri Hrólfsson. Around the 16th century, Ísafjörður grew rapidly due to it becoming a merchant trading post. The town was granted municipal status in 1786.

The oldest house still standing in Iceland, built in 1734, is located in Ísafjörður as part of the local folk museum. The area also includes the most extensive body of old timber frame houses in the country, constructed in the 18th century by foreign traders. One of these is Tjöruhús, now a seafood restaurant, and another Turnhús, now a maritime museum.

Throughout its history, Ísafjörður has been one of the largest fisheries in Iceland. Several factors— a fishing restriction in the 1980s, drops in the fish population and monopolisation from bigger fisheries in Reykjavík—have led to a sizeable decline in the town’s population.

In recent years, the tourism industry has yet again created local jobs and economic prosperity for the town. The town now has many hotels and hostels, restaurants and cafes, and tour operators offering trips out into the Westfjords.

Nature of Ísafjörður

The climate of the Westfjords and Ísafjörður is tundra, bordering closely on subarctic, meaning the winters are cold and the summers cool. Due to Ísafjörður being located in a fjord surrounded by steep mountains, during the peak of the winter solstice, the rays of the sun don’t reach the town for weeks on end.

The Westfjords have a wealth of birdlife, and Ísafjörður is no exception; many species can be seen on several hikes out of the town. When on such trails, keep an eye on the landscapes to spot Arctic Foxes, on the coast to see seals, or the ocean to spot a whale.

Ísafjörður is the most convenient place in the Westfjords from where to visit the region’s incredible natural sites. These include Látrabjarg, birdwatching cliffs perfect for getting up close and personal with puffins; Dynjandi, a series of waterfalls that look to be plucked from fantasy; Hornstrandir, a Nature Reserve with spectacular views; Rauðasandur, a red- and gold-sand beach; and Drangajökull, the only glacier in the country that is expanding rather than shrinking.

Events and Happenings in Ísafjörður

Ísafjörður, despite its isolation and small population, boasts a proportionately urban atmosphere. The town hosts a multitude of events and festivals attended by people from all over Iceland, such as the Ski Week Festival, the Act Alone theatre festival, the European Championship of Swamp Soccer and alternative music festival Aldrei fór ég suður.

Hrafnseyri is an old town in the Westfjords that dates back to the Settlement Era and has links to Iceland’s independence movement.

The settlement is named after one of its earliest residents, Hrafn Sveinbjarnason, who lived here in the 12th Century. He is not the area’s most famous child, however; it was also the birthplace of Jón Sigurðsson, the father of Iceland’s push for independence from Denmark.

Although Jón never lived to see his dream of a free nation pan out, he is still revered nationwide. At Hrafnseyri, there is a museum dedicated to him and his efforts, aptly called the Museum of Jón Sigurðsson.

To add to the historic ambience that imbues this village, there is a cafe within an old turf-roofed building.

Please be at your pickup location in time for your departure. Should your pickup location be at a bus stop and you need assistance finding it, seek guidance in your Hotel's reception or contact your tour provider directly.

Included:

Hotel / Airport Pick up

English speaking guide

Accommodation with breakfast

Activities that do not require services sold are free (e.g. short walks, the Northern Lights, etc.)

Photography guide

Solid entertainment

Possible accommodation before or after 4 days is not included

Special hiking shoes

These tours are organized as part of the Iceland trip

Food is available at all stopping

What to bring:

Backpack

Hiking shoes

Rain clothes

Warm clothes

Good to know:

Lunch / Dinner is paid for yourself .

We arrived at the hotel about 16:00 to 17:00 and a good time to relax and enjoy what the place offers

The rooms are very good, clean beds and private rooms with bath for couples and families, while friends in a group sometimes share a room. Once you have booked, we will always find the best accommodation for you.

Daily itinerary

Day 1 - Borgarfjordur Snaefellsnes

Your first day of this exciting tour will begin with a pick up from your Reykjavík accommodation. From the capital, you will travel through the Hvalfjordur tunnel on your way to the charming farmlands of Borgarnes in Borgarfjordur.

You will soon arrive at the lovely village of Hellnar, providing ample opportunity to explore the settlement's shops, traditional church and the surrounding sea caves and bird cliffs. This is also an excellent stop to grab a bite to eat.

Next, you will visit Lóndrangar, a pair of basalt rock pinnacles that protrude from the already cragged coastline of the southern Snæfellsnes peninsula. Afterward, you will make stops at the charming villages of Hellissandur, Ólafsvík, Grundarfjörður, all rich with their respective fishing traditions. Around this area, you will also have fantastic views of the most photographed mountain in Iceland, Kirkjufell.

Finally, you will arrive in Stykkishólmur, a unique town made famous for its starring role in the Ben Stiller vehicle, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty". Here, you will have a delicious dinner and spend the night.

Day 2 - Látrabjarg Dynjandi Hrafnseyri

A boat trip is the first thing on today's agenda; sailing out to the magnificent Breiðafjörður, you will have fantastic views over nesting seabirds, towering cliff faces and uninhabited islets. The boat trip will take approximately two and a half hours.

After you're back on dry land, you will stop for a spot of lunch, then make your way to the fantastic waterfall of Dynjandi, truly an aesthetic marvel. Once photographs have been taken, you will continue on, making stops at the beautiful bay of Dýrafjörður before arriving at Flateyri village. Here, you will get an up-close look at the towering avalanche defences that stand guarding the settlement, providing you with a real insight into Iceland's dangerous elemental forces.

After your time at Flateyri is over, you will continue onward to another village, Suðureyri, as well as Isafjörður, the largest town in the north-west. You will feel truly blessed to be in this area of immense beauty; thankfully, this is where you will spend your second night.

Day 3 - Ísafjarðardjúp Hólmavík Laugar

Your third day is the perfect blend of beautiful, scenic fjords, traditional fishing villages and sweeping coastal valleys. You will begin by visiting the village of Súðavík before crossing the Steingrímsfjarðarheiði Highlands on your way to Hólmavík, where you will have lunch.

You will also have an opportunity today to bathe in a gorgeous natural pool, truly an authentic Icelandic experience. As the locals will readily tell you, not much in this world can beat the relaxing feeling of soaking yourself surrounded by the glory of nature, an experience complimented even further when combined with the radiant glare of the Midnight Sun or the dancing green waves of the Aurora Borealis.

You will spend the third night of this adventure in the area of Gilsfjörður, an area known to be the home of soaring sea eagles.

Day 4 - Búðardalur Glanni Deildartunguhver Reykjavík

The fourth and final day of your adventure begins by exploring the village of Búðardalur, learning about its unique culture and fascinating history. Next, you are going to Brattabrekka Highlands and Borgarfjörður. Here, you will have spectacular views of Norðurá river, as well as its adjoining waterfalls, and will even have the chance to stroll through a fantastical forested landscape.

Next up is the largest hot spring in Europe, Deildartunguhver. This area is characterised by its steaming, volcanic vents and mossy-green hillsides, making for fantastic photographs. After Deildartunguhver, you will make a visit to Reykholt village for a lunch stop.

Next, you will visit the waterfalls Hraunfossar and Barnafoss history. Hraunfossar is, in fact, better described as a series of small waterfalls that run collectively out of the lava rock, creating one of the most unique natural features in the country.

Finally, you will begin to make the return journey back to your accommodation in Reykjavik.

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